Triumph Tiger Explorer

The Triumph Tiger model and brand has been around for over many decades as it evolved from road to adventure motorcycle, from about 1990 onwards. The Tiger was regarded as one of the sportier Adventure motorcycles thanks to the engine from the Triumph Daytona 955i sports bike, clearly it was not in the same tune but didn’t stop a owner or two referring to its pedigree. To be honest it doesn’t need any mention of where its parts come from as the modern Tiger is its own model.

That said the Tiger is split into a number of different models from the bee like look on Tiger Sport to the Tiger 800 and the top ranged Tiger Explorer model. Note that each uses a different frame and even engine so technically The ‘Tiger’ range is not a true Adventure motorcycle only the Tiger Explorer.

I didn’t like the original back in the 90’s as the beetle like fairing design and colours did not make it look vaguely like a real Tiger more like a moth…(pun intended) Mind you the strip decals made more tourist bike from the original Jurassic Park movie than serious adventure motorcycle.

However the latest revision the Tiger XRX makes it look serious but also has features which a modern Adventure motorcycle should have, like 12V plugs adjustable seat height, adjustable suspension, shaft drive, adjustable throttle modes, heated grips and seats and so forth. These features would not be out of place on a regular touring motorcycle. There is even a genuine low rise model if your legs are of normal length.

I like the new Triumph Tiger Explorer XRX model specifically, it’s got the looks and features to interest me. Furthermore there is nothing wrong spec wise that I can point out – test ride required I think.  The Tiger Explorer costs around the $21,000 the last time I looked which is on the expensive side.